Find a mover in San Francisco, CA
Movers pack, load, transport and unload your belongings for a local or long-distance move. People hire them to move homes, offices or a few heavy items like a piano or safe. A good moving company gives a written estimate based on what you actually own, carries proper insurance and shows up on time.
How many movers are in San Francisco?
The Census Bureau counted 27 movers with employees in San Francisco, CA ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, San Francisco County has 37, or 4.4 per 100,000 residents: more than the US rate of 2.6, and 34th of 164 large US cities per resident.
Another 110 self-employed businesses in specialized freight trucking (including moving) are based in San Francisco County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 94124 (12), 94110 (5), 94122 (4), 94109 (3).
Half of San Francisco's homes were built before 1945, and 62% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 27 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, San Francisco County | 4.4 US: 2.6 |
| Rank among large US cities | 34 of 164 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 70% |
| Self-employed, San Francisco County | 110 Census NES 2023: specialized freight trucking (including moving) |
| Median year homes were built | 1945 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 62% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 836,321 ACS 2023 |
What do movers in San Francisco help with?
- Local home moves
- Long-distance and interstate moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading only
- Office and commercial moves
- Piano and heavy item moving
- Furniture disassembly and assembly
- Short-term and storage-in-transit
- Senior and downsizing moves
- Apartment moves with elevator booking
How do you choose a good mover in San Francisco?
- Get an in-home or video estimate, not a phone quote.
- Get at least three written estimates and compare what each one includes.
- For interstate moves, check the company's USDOT number on the FMCSA website.
- Ask whether the quote is binding, non-binding or not-to-exceed.
- Ask who will do the move. Some companies book the job and pass it to another carrier.
- Ask about the valuation coverage and what it pays for damaged items.
- Read recent reviews for patterns about damage, delays or surprise charges.
Interstate movers must be registered with the federal government, and many states license or register local movers; ask for those numbers and look them up.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is this estimate binding, and what could change the price?
- Are you licensed, and what is your USDOT number?
- Will your own crew do the move?
- What valuation or insurance coverage do I get?
- How do you charge for stairs, long carries or elevators?
- What is your claims process if something is damaged?
- How much deposit do you need, and is it refundable?
Red flags to watch for
- A quote given over the phone without seeing your belongings.
- A large cash deposit required before the move.
- Holding your belongings until you pay more than the estimate.
- No physical address or USDOT number for an interstate mover.
- Showing up in a rental truck with no company name.
What changes the price?
- Amount and weight of belongings
- Distance and travel time
- Stairs, elevators and long carries
- Packing services and materials
- Specialty items like pianos or safes
- Date, with weekends and peak season costing more
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many movers are there in San Francisco?
The Census counted 27 movers with employees in San Francisco, CA in 2023, plus 110 self-employed businesses in San Francisco County.
How far ahead should I book movers?
Book several weeks ahead. Book earlier for summer, month-end dates or long-distance moves.
What does valuation coverage mean?
It is how much the mover is liable for if items are lost or damaged. Basic coverage is often based on weight, not value. Full value protection costs more but pays to repair or replace items.
What should I move myself?
Keep cash, jewelry, medicines, important papers, laptops and anything irreplaceable with you.
Movers in nearby cities
Movers in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a mover.